Modesto Police Department

The Modesto Police Department is seeking our next Police Sergeants to join our leadership team.

Are you a leader who demonstrates a Servant's Heart, Courageous Spirit, and Relentless Drive? If these values begin to define who you are, we invite you to consider this opportunity!

The Police Sergeant position is a pivotal role in the planning, supervision, and directing the operations of a large or complex police squad or unit; to supervise police field operations on an assigned shift; and to perform a variety of community relations and administrative and technical duties in support of the department.

▪ Current Hourly Pay
$54.90 - $70.06

▪ Current Pay Incentives:
Additional 4% pay increase on 07/01/2026
Advanced POST Certificate - additional 6%
Supervisory POST Certificate - eligible for additional 12%
Bachelor's Degree - additional 2.5%
Master's Degree - additional 1.5%

▪ Competitive Benefits Package

▪ CalPERS Retirement System

Check the job description for candidate testing process and suggested materials to review prior to the testing process.

For more information, job description, benefits information and to apply, visit: www.ModestoPolice.com and click on the 'Join our Team' link.

Applications being accepted until June 17th, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.

The Modesto Police Department is seeking exceptional leaders to join our leadership team as a Police Lieutenant.

Are you a leader who demonstrates a Servant's Heart, Courageous Spirit, and Relentless Drive? If these values begin to define who you are, we invite you to consider this opportunity!

The Police Lieutenant position provides responsible management, supervisory and technical police work in serving as Watch Commander, Area Commander, or Assistant Division Commander.

▪ Current Base Pay
$139,110 – $177,548

▪ Current Base Pay with POST Supervisory Certificate & Bachelor's Degree
$159,281 – $203,293

▪ Effective July 1, 2026 - Base Pay with POST Supervisory Certificate & Bachelor's Degree
$165,687 – $211,438

▪ Competitive Benefits Package

▪ CalPERS Retirement System

In-person testing to occur during the week of June 29th, 2026!.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.ModestoPolice.com and click on the 'Join our Team' link.

Applications being accepted until June 10th, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.

INVESTIGATION UPDATE:

The Modesto Police Department continues to investigate the tragic triple homicide that occurred on May 28, 2026, in the 1600 block of Monterey Avenue.

The victims have been identified as Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez (23), Maria Sylvia Nunez-Villalobos (54), and a two-week-old infant. The infant’s name will not be released. Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez was the mother of the infant, and Maria Sylvia Nunez-Villalobos was Fabiola’s mother.

Based on the information currently available, investigators believe the victims and the suspect, Joaquin Escoto, resided together in the home. Investigators further believe Escoto was involved in a relationship with Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez, although the exact nature of their relationship remains under investigation.

Escoto and Gonzalez-Nunez are the parents of the uninjured three-year-old child who was located inside the residence. Child Protective Services responded at the request of investigators and assumed custody of the child.

Following his arrest, Escoto was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on three counts of murder, special circumstance enhancements, using a deadly weapon, and an outstanding Modesto Police Department warrant related to a prior DUI case.

This remains an active investigation. Detectives continue to review evidence, conduct follow-up interviews, and work closely with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.

Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family, loved ones, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy.